Ben Wishaw to play Q in new Bond film

Directed by Sam Mendes, Skyfall is the 23rd James Bond film. It features Daniel Craig in his third performance as the main character/action hero while Javier Bardem stars as the film's villain, Raoul Silva. The plot line follows as James Bond's loyalty to M is challenged over secrets from her past. When MI6 is attacked, it falls to Bond to seek out and eliminate the threat regardless of the cost to himself.

The 31-year-old actor has been cast as the MI6 gadget master in 'Skyfall' and for the first time in the franchise's history Q will be younger than 007, who will be played again by 43-year-old Daniel Craig.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Female fans will now have more than Daniel to gush over now Ben's been cast as Q. He'll be a big draw. It's a bold decision as it means Q will be younger than Bond for the first time.

"His role will be very different from previous Qs. He'll be far more serious, as is the trend with the new films."

Q last appeared in 2002's 'Die Another Day', with John Cleese in the role, after he took over from the late Desmond Llewelyn, who played the inventor for 36 years.

This is not the first time Ben has starred in a movie alongside Daniel Craig. In 2004, they appeared together in gangster movie 'Layer Cake'.

'Skyfall' - which will be directed by Sam Mendes and is the 23rd Bond movie - is due for release next October.